That being said, I am often saddened to see fellow Christians—sometimes even members of the congregation God has entrusted to my care—post things that are contrary to God’s Word, the Christian faith, our confession, and/or common decency. Examples include but are not limited to: spreading gossip, rumors, and hearsay; using foul language; taking pride in drunkenness; and advertising sexual immorality.
What you post is not hidden from the world around you. Many others see and read it. So ask yourself these questions the next time you want to post something:
- Does this post in any way, shape, or form rejoice in something sinful?
- Does this post in any way, shape, or form profane Christ, His name, or His Word?
- Does this post in any way, shape, or form bring dishonor to Christ, His Church, or His people?
There’s a reason why Saint James writes: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26). The Constitution may grant you “freedom of speech,” but in Christ that freedom is restrained by love for God and neighbor.
Fellow sheep of the Good Shepherd, Christ suffered and died on the cross to set you free from the devil, the world, and your sinful flesh. Having been baptized into Christ, “do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh” (Galatians 5:13). Instead, “live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16).
Fellow sheep of the Good Shepherd, Christ suffered and died on the cross to set you free from the devil, the world, and your sinful flesh. Having been baptized into Christ, “do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh” (Galatians 5:13). Instead, “live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16).
As the Father’s beloved child in Christ, heed the admonition and encouragement of Saint Paul:
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
[Colossians 3]
God grant you this for Jesus’ sake!
I've never really thought about this before. Guilty as charged, too. Not so much anymore, I hope. Thanks for the post Pr. Mumme.
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